Dates Sep 27–Oct 13, 2008
Leader Joe Van Os and local guides
Fee $15,995 from Windhoek, Namibia
Deposit $1,000
Limit 14
Special Terms and Conditions

Our Namibia—Land of the Himba tour is crafted as an absolute dream photography trip with an outstanding itinerary featuring our group’s exclusive use of several remote and luxurious lodges. We’ll maximize our time by flying between distant locations in private aircraft with weight limits calculated to allow our full complement of camera gear. During wildlife game drives there will only be two photographers per safari vehicle! In short, it would be a considerable challenge to make this trip any better!

Namibia, the desert country occupying the southwest corner of Southern Africa, is among the world’s premier wildlife, landscape and tribal photography locations. This fascinating
country also contains a remarkable infrastructure of well-kept roads, modern accommodations, wholesome foods and drinkable water, which makes traveling here a delightful surprise.

Our travels focus on four incredible subjects: the immense red Sossusvlei Dunes at Namib Naukluft National Park, the wilderness of the Skeleton Coast, the world-renowned wildlife of Etosha National Park, and the semi-nomadic Himba pastoralists who inhabit the Kunene Region in northwestern Namibia.

Unlike many indigenous groups in Africa, the Himba have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle, perhaps owing to the fact that the land they occupy is so harsh and unyielding— and their seclusion from outside influences so complete—that it has rarely been coveted by the colonial powers of the past few centuries. Dressed in leather and skins and adorned with brass jewelry, butterfat and red ochre they are truly a striking and handsome people. We’ll photograph within the tribal villages by special paid arrangements with the local leaders. The precise time in each village depends on which ceremonies are planned and the spontaneous photo opportunities that present themselves—in true expedition style! We have left the program flexible to ensure that there is enough time to immerse ourselves in this isolated and fascinating culture.

Due to its demographics—it’s one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world—Namibia is very wild and starkly beautiful. We fly over this vast area to the Sossusvlei Dunes, the world’s highest, where several world famous photos of gemsbok (oryx) walking across these rolling red dunes were made. We’ll visit two areas on the Skeleton Coast, where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean—Swakopmund, a colonial coastal city just south of the Skeleton Coast Park, and a fantastic riverside camp on the park’s northern border.
Our flights to both locations take us over undulating sand dunes, towering mountains and rivers that literally disappear into the sand.

From our tranquil base on the Kunene River in the north, we visit several Himba villages. We fly next to Opuwo where our Himba guides introduce us to more villages in this harsh environment where people have made their homes for many centuries.

Turning southeast, we encounter the “winter” gathering of animals at evaporating water holes and artesian springs on Namibia’s Etosha Pan. This constitutes some of the greatest large mammal species diversity seen anywhere. Throngs of spectacular wildlife, such as greater kudu, springbok, southern giraffe and the endangered black-faced impala, come to drink at the small desert water holes dotting the park. Etosha is famous for its elephants as well as predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs are seen frequently. Gripping predator/prey dramas unfold as you photograph from your safari vehicle near the water’s edge.

Join Joe Van Os for a spectacular African adventure that combines almost unbelievable scenery, an incredible tribal culture and bountiful, accessible wildlife.



Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2 (Sep 28)
Arrive in Windhoek. (D)

Day 3
Fly to Sossusvlei and shoot the sensuous red dunes at dusk. (BLD)

Day 4
Return to the dunes for sunrise and sunset shots. (BLD)

Day 5
Fly to the colonial town Swakopmund. (BLD)

Day 6
Photograph a marvelous group of captive endemic reptiles on the dunes, including Namaqua chameleon, sidewinder and horned adder. Fly north along the incredible Skeleton Coast to our private, luxurious remote camp. (BLD)

Days 7–8
Photography in Himba villages and Kunene River/Skeleton Coast landscapes. For the Himba, clothes, hair and jewelry hold a special meaning and form an important part of their tradition and culture. The proud Himba women spend many hours on beauty care and grooming every day. They cream their entire bodies with a mixture of butterfat and ochre, scented with the aromatic resin of the Omuzumba shrub. The cream lends an intense reddish glow, which reflects the Himba ideal of beauty. (BLD)

Days 9–11
Fly to Opuwo and photograph in Himba villages. (BLD)

Days 12–15
We spend two days on the western edge of Etosha National Park and two days on the eastern side, balancing comfortable lodging with good access to the prolific wildlife at the park’s water holes. Elephants, rhinos, big cats and a wealth of antelope are on display in this section of Namib desert. (BLD)

Day 16 (Oct 12)
We fly to Windhoek and depart for home late in the day. (B)

Day 17
Arrive home.





Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.